The first of these promontories was occupied
by Achilles with his invincible Myrmidons, and the dauntless
Ajax pitched his tents on the other. After Ajax had fallen a
sacrifice to his disappointed pride and to the ingratitude
of the Greeks, his sepulchre was erected on the ground where
he had defended the navy against the rage of Jove and
Hector, and the citizens of the rising town of Rhaetium
celebrated his memory with divine honours. Before
Constantine gave a just preference to the situation of
Byzantium he had conceived the design of erecting the seat
of empire on this celebrated spot, from whence the Romans
derived their fabulous origin. The extensive plain which
lies below ancient Troy towards the Rhaetian promontory was
first chosen for his new capital; and though the undertaking
was soon relinquished, the stately remains of unfinished
walls and towers attracted the notice of all who sailed
through the straits of the Hellespont.
"We are at present qualified to view the advantageous
position of Constantinople; which appears to have been
formed by nature for the centre and capital of a great
monarchy.
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